Not a union contract expert?

You don't know what you don't know, and union contracts can be a maze of legal verbiage. Not having a handle on how these terms affect your productions can lead to...

  • Unexpected Costs: Misunderstanding of contract terms can lead to unforeseen expenses.

  • Risk of Grievances: Ignorance of contractual obligations may lead to unintentional breaches which the Production Company at risk.

  • Inefficient Scheduling: Misunderstood union terms can hinder your ability to manage schedules effectively.

  • Missed Cost Savings: Lacking the ability to optimize contract terms can lead to missed opportunities to save on production costs.

  • Damaged Reputation: Inaccurate contract knowledge can damage your reputation in the industry.

Don't Fear the Unions!

Picture yourself gaining command over your productions by identifying potential challenges and efficiently steering your team away from costly mistakes or labor disputes.

Join us, Lawrence Lewis and Sister Christian, two producers with over 20+ years of experience, as we impart invaluable insights into the realm of union contracts for filmmakers. Our goal is to empower you to produce like a seasoned professional, avoiding the burdens of learning from your own failures (Like we did! Ooops!).

Sure, that might be a FAKE film set, but our REAL expertise can help you sidestep the common production snags.

In our course, you will master the art of uncovering hidden complexities in union contracts, confidently leading your Production Company, Advertising Agency, and Clients to a successful production free from grievances or labor disputes.

Back when we started, there were no mentors, and we had to endure the hardships of trial and error. Our mission today is to pass on knowledge and insights to the next generation of Producers, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Lawrence & Sister Christian on a fake plane set.

Here's What's Included:

  • Community Access

    Join our exclusive community of film production professionals and connect with other learners to share insights and feedback.

  • PDF Downloads

    Enhance your learning experience with downloadable resources that reinforce your understanding of union contract terms and conditions.

  • Lifetime Access

    Enjoy unlimited access to the course materials, including any future updates or additions, so you can continue to improve your union contract skills at your own pace, for life.

Word on the Street

What people are saying about Sister Christian & Lawrence Lewis

Fire and the Good Kind of Fire

"I loved "The Art of Script Breakdowns" course and listening to the thoughts and perspectives of Lawrence and Sister Christian. Can't wait for the next one."

Helpful & Inspiring

"Lawrence and Christian do a great job bringing timely and useful information to Film Production Industry Professionals. They provide a humorous and engaging show that offers actionable information for producers and other freelance positions."

Heck, Yeah!

"It’s always fascinating to hear how others approach the countless scenarios we find ourselves in from job to job as it’s all so very subjective. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the season!"

Informative & Helpful

"Lawrence and Christian do a great job bringing timely and useful information to Film Production Industry Professionals. They provide a humorous and engaging show that offers actionable information for producers and other freelance positions."

Save your spot now! All course materials become available on December 7th.

Enroll now so you can take your union knowledge to Expert Level!

Course Details

Get a peak inside:

    1. Welcome!

    2. Onboarding Questionnaire

    3. Sample Union Contracts

    4. Course Overview

    1. IATSE - National Agreement & Locals

    2. DGA - Directors Guild of America

    3. SAG-Aftra - Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

    4. Teamsters

    5. QUIZ - Unions & Guilds Comprehension

    1. Wage Charts

    2. Wage Chart Analysis

    3. Defining Terms: Forced Call, MPVs, NDBs, Turnarounds, Covered Vehicles, and more

    4. Understanding Scale Rates, Minimum Calls, and Premium Days

    5. Overtime, Premium Time, Pay Hours, and More

    6. Fringes + Pension, Health & Welfare (P&W)

    7. QUIZ - Rate & Wage Comprehension

    1. Defining Terms: Portal-to-Portal, Distant Location, Overnight Location, Production Zones, and more.

    2. Understanding Types of Calls, Contracted Day, Minimum Calls, Weekly-On Call

    3. Overtime - A Deep Dive

    4. Premium Days & Holidays

    5. Understanding Turnarounds & Rest Periods

    6. QUIZ: How Union Rules Affect Time, Schedules, and more.

    1. Understanding Crew Safety & Humane Treatment

    2. Meals Provided On-Set

    3. Distant Locations, Overnight Locations, Flights, Per Diems and Accommodations

    4. Minimum Staffing and Prep Days

    5. QUIZ: How Union Rules Help You Treat Crew Better

    1. AICP Overview

    2. Non-AICP Overview

More About This Course:

  • $97.00
  • 33 lessons
  • Enroll Now for Instant Access
  • Includes PDF Downloads, Course Cohorts Community, and Lifetime Access

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FAQ

Got more Questions? We got Answers!

  • When does the course start?

    All course materials become available on December 7th. The course is self-guided, so you can learn at your own pace.

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for anyone who wants to become a skilled and organized producer in the film industry with a focus on film, tv, commercials, short-form, and branded content. It's perfect for Producers, Bidders, Assistant Directors, Production Managers, Coordinators, and Production Assistants who want to demystify the maze of union terms and conditions. It's also for experienced Producers who believe in life-long learning, want to refresh their union understanding, and take their production game to the next level.

  • Who is this course not for?

    This course is not for those who are not willing to put in the time and effort to learn and apply the skills taught in the course. Additionally, if you are not open to refreshing your union knowledge or learning a new perspective on script breakdowns and production management, this course may not be for you.

  • Why do I need this course?

    This course will empower you with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the often complex and intimidating world of union contracts in the film and television industry. Without this course, you might find yourself in situations where you're unsure of how to handle union negotiations or deal with unexpected issues.

  • I have years of experience. How could this course possibly help me?

    As a producer with years of experience, you already have a wealth of knowledge and skills. However, the film industry is constantly evolving, and new approaches to producing are emerging all the time. Taking this course will refresh your union knowledge and expose you to new perspectives. Additionally, by taking the course, you will have the opportunity to connect and network with other producers who are also taking the course, which can be invaluable in this industry where we often work in isolation. Remember, even as experienced producers, we should always be open to learning and growing in our craft.

  • How will this course help me manage production more efficiently?

    This course will help you manage production more efficiently by providing you with a deep understanding of union contracts and how to work with them effectively. You'll learn how to proactively address potential issues before they become costly problems. With this knowledge, you can optimize your production schedule, allocate resources more efficiently, and adapt to unexpected disruptions without major setbacks. This course empowers you to be a more efficient and effective production manager, producer, or coordinator.

  • What makes your approach to script breakdowns unique?

    What sets our approach to union contracts apart is our real-world experience as seasoned industry professionals. With over 20 years of experience, we understand the nuances and challenges faced in the field. Our course doesn't just teach theory; it's based on practical insights gained from navigating union contracts on numerous productions. We emphasize storytelling, sharing our own experiences and lessons learned, which makes the content relatable and memorable. This unique approach allows you to see how theory translates into practice in the dynamic world of film and television production. You'll gain the confidence to apply this knowledge effectively in your own projects, something that many other courses can't offer.

Join Our Community

Pre-Enroll for access to support and advice from fellow film industry professionals.

Who the F*&k Do We Think We Are?

Executive Producer Sister Christian Kendrick

Sister Christian is a freelance short form producer based in NYC and LA with over 20 years of experience. She has produced commercials, music videos, promos, and branded content for hundreds of clients and has created content for all the major streaming services. Sister Christian is known for her ability to bring creative visions to life and her meticulous attention to detail. Her work has garnered critical acclaim and has helped to shape the landscape of modern media.

Commercial & Experiential Producer Lawrence Lewis

With over two decades of film production experience, I bring a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for storytelling to the table. I have produced numerous projects for top companies and have honed my craft in National Broadcast Commercials, Immersive Theater, and Branded Experiential Events. My true calling lies in engaging audiences with captivating stories that leave a lasting impact. That's why I've also built a successful career as a Voice Over artist, lending my voice to Commercials, Corporate Videos, and eLearning modules. In addition to my love for the industry, I am dedicated to the open exchange of ideas and information. I strive to create a supportive community for film professionals through my Producers' Happy Hour Podcast.

Tired of Union Confusion?

Become a union contract expert, empowering you to optimize negotiations, avoid grievances, and become a top tier producer.

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